White sage, also known as sacred sage and bee sage, is a perennial scrub plant that thrives in the dry heat of Southwestern US and Mexico. A high degree of aromatic oils make the entire herb very fragrant, a fact that becomes readily apparently when the leaves are brushed against or rubbed. Like other sages, white sage produces small flowers that range in color from white to light purple.
Unlike common garden sage, however, white sage is not the variety that you want to use to season stuffing. This is the smudging herb that Native Americans traditionally use for ceremony and ritual. The leaves are dried and either smoldered over hot coals or they are rolled and tied with thread to make smudge sticks.
